Finding grace, in the midst of my mess.

Do everything…

I really stink at keeping up with this blog. I’m trying to get better! No, really, I am. Trying, that is… ; )

This post is definitely one that is written more out of personal conviction than anything else, but I pray that the Lord will use what He is showing me to perhaps bless someone else. I know that we all struggle at different times in different areas, but I KNOW that there has to be at least one other someone out there who is on the same page as me right now.

There is a new song out by Steven Curtis Chapman and Phillip actually heard it before I did. He came home one day and said, “I heard a new song today and it made me think of you.” Of course, I didn’t know if that was a good thing or bad thing, haha! It was awhile after that day when I finally heard the song for myself and my first thought was, “Yep. I can see where he would have thought of me!”, you know, since the first verse of the song says, “You’re picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today! Matching up socks, sweeping up lost cheerios that got away! You put a baby on your hip, color on your lips and head out the door…” Um, yes. I can see where that might remind my husband of me. My life. To a T.

But the song goes on, “While I may not know you, I bet I know you wonder sometimes, ‘Does it matter at all?’…” Why, yes, Steven, I do feel that way at times! How’d ya know? Oh yeah, he has a wife and kids.

Still it goes on, “Well, let me remind you that it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the one who made you, cuz He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face, tell the story of grace with every move that you maa-aa-a-a-ake and every little thing that you do!”

Ouch. My toes were hurting. You see, there are too many days that go by without me giving any thought to the importance of my role in my household. The role that has been entrusted to me by God, himself. The role of mommy and wife. You see, it is far to easy for me to just go through the motions each day and to even become discouraged or lonely. I fail to do every little thing that I do for God’s glory and I certainly fail to tell the story of grace throughout my day.

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Verses 23-24 say, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” These verses are amidst many other verses that reflect the same thought and attitude.

So, when I’m picking up toys, sweeping up cheerios, changing diapers, disciplining, speaking to(or of!) my husband or children, I should do it ALL for the glory of my Creator. I’m not JUST a wife or JUST a mommy, not JUST getting through a long day. I’m a wife that has been entrusted with loving my husband and children, as well as glorifying my Lord through even the little things. I shouldn’t do any of it for the approval of my husband or children (though I don’t mind that bonus and I want to make them happy!), I should do it for the approval of Christ. I shouldn’t work as if I’m working for anyone but the Lord.

Alright, so we are to glorify God in the big things, as well as the little things. We are to work as if we are doing everything for Him, not paying mind to the approval or disapproval of others…but what about this whole telling the story of grace part? What is the story of grace? The Gospel. The abundant grace that was lavished on us through Jesus’ death on the cross. THAT is the story of grace. We…I should strive each day to live out the Gospel in all things. We should speak it and live it. My kids should see the example of Christ in the way I handle everything, from spilled milk to conflict between my husband and I.

1 Peter 4:7-11 says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Now, doesn’t all of this make sense? When we are working for Christ and not for man, when we are seeking His glory and seeking to further His kingdom, our days will not seem pointless at all! As believers, we are called to a higher purpose. Now, at home is not the only place where I struggle with this…what about our service to the Lord at church? Isn’t it easy to get caught up in just doing things because they need to be done? Many times I have to check myself and pray for a more accurate perspective. Yes, there are things that need to be done, but they need to be done because the Gospel needs to be spread! It is my honor to share God’s word and bring Him glory every step of the way.

Does this mean each day is easy as pie, glowing and filled with rainbows and butterflies? Not exactly. However, this does mean that we have a point and purpse to what might otherwise be an aimless and seemingly unimportant life. We live in a broken world, so life will not always be easy, no matter what, but we have a new outlook when we look through the eyes of Christ and see what is important to Him.

I challenge you, as I am challenging myself, to have a new outlook on my days. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve cleaned up the living room floor or had to change a dirty diaper – if I’m doing it for the glory of my King, it’s worth it. I’m investing in my household, my marriage and my children by reflecting Christ in everything. It is an eternal investment that is not only affecting me. I’m telling the story of grace. Won’t you tell it too?

Also, here is the music video for the song that inspired this post! It is a fun video and anyone can relate! Check it out! : )